Police hunting for thieves who stole van containing up to 300 blood samples from outside GP surgery in Middleton Road, Morden, call off the search due to lack of evidence

Police hunting for thieves who stole a van carrying between 250 and 300 blood samples, have shut the case because of a lack of evidence.

The vehicle, which was also carrying urine samples, microbiology swabs, and smears, was stolen from outside a GP surgery in Morden near St Helier.

Officers were seeking a white man aged between 25 and 30 who they believe they took the van, but have now decided they will take the investigation no further.

A Merton police spokesperson said: "We have investigated the circumstances surrounding the theft of a motor vehicle.

"The matter was fully investigated, however, there was no CCTV, no forensic opportunities and no known suspects.

"Due to these factors, the investigation has been closed. If any new or further evidence comes to light it will be re-examined and investigated fully."

The van was parked outside the Faccini House Surgery in Middelton Road, near St Helier, when it was taken shortly after 2pm on Wednesday, July 30.

Merton police have confirmed the keys were left in the ignition when the vehicle was stolen.

Anyone who submitted a blood sample on Tuesday or Wednesday before the theft, at any one of nine south west London surgeries, or Croydon University Hospital, could be affected.

A full list of the GP surgeries which had their samples stolen can be seen at the bottom of this story.

Dr James Marsh, joint medical director at Epsom and St Helier Hospitals said: "I am sorry to announce that a vehicle used for collecting pathology samples from local GP surgeries for testing at St Helier Hospital was stolen.

"Although we are deeply disappointed that someone would choose to steal the van and its contents, our absolute concern at the moment is making sure any impact on patients is as minimal as possible."

An Espom and St Helier Hospital spokesperson said: "As you would expect in light of such a serious issue, we have launched an internal investigation which is ongoing.

"We are currently working with our GP partners to make sure that patients get their re-tests as soon as possible.

"Thanks to the speedy response of our GP colleagues many patients have already been contacted and their re-tests have already been completed."

The incident affects patients who had samples taken at the following practices:

Comments

PeterM
2:34pm Tue 5 Aug 14

Leaving aside the problems that this will cause to all those patients, having to fast again and for those that had smear tests, having to undergo a very unpleasant procedure again, this highlights the fact that a lot of delivery drivers are bone idle and leave the keys in the ignition of their vehicle, often with the engine running.

I regularly see couriers for well known companies park up, engine running with driver's door open, whilst they make a delivery/pick up. I've even seen Police cars left with their engines running.

I'm guessing that the driver in question will be sacked, as the vehicle will not be covered by insurance because the keys were left in the vehicle, and the NHS will now be out of pocket by about £15,000.

Leaving aside the problems that this will cause to all those patients, having to fast again and for those that had smear tests, having to undergo a very unpleasant procedure again, this highlights the fact that a lot of delivery drivers are bone idle and leave the keys in the ignition of their vehicle, often with the engine running.
I regularly see couriers for well known companies park up, engine running with driver's door open, whilst they make a delivery/pick up. I've even seen Police cars left with their engines running.
I'm guessing that the driver in question will be sacked, as the vehicle will not be covered by insurance because the keys were left in the vehicle, and the NHS will now be out of pocket by about £15,000.PeterM

Leaving aside the problems that this will cause to all those patients, having to fast again and for those that had smear tests, having to undergo a very unpleasant procedure again, this highlights the fact that a lot of delivery drivers are bone idle and leave the keys in the ignition of their vehicle, often with the engine running.

I regularly see couriers for well known companies park up, engine running with driver's door open, whilst they make a delivery/pick up. I've even seen Police cars left with their engines running.

I'm guessing that the driver in question will be sacked, as the vehicle will not be covered by insurance because the keys were left in the vehicle, and the NHS will now be out of pocket by about £15,000.

Score: 15

SteveC1964
3:17pm Tue 5 Aug 14

There are some places that you could get away with leaving the keys in a vehicle. Seems this was not one of them.

There are some places that you could get away with leaving the keys in a vehicle. Seems this was not one of them.SteveC1964

There are some places that you could get away with leaving the keys in a vehicle. Seems this was not one of them.

Score: 7

1localman
1:29pm Wed 6 Aug 14

Hold on... Don't Roma gypsy's and vampires come from the same country ? ....

Hold on... Don't Roma gypsy's and vampires come from the same country ? ....1localman

Hold on... Don't Roma gypsy's and vampires come from the same country ? ....

Score: -3

imasumak
1:02am Sun 17 Aug 14

"The incident affects patients who had samples taken at the following practices" EXCUSE ME? We are talking about a van load of "Bio-Hazardous" materials which will definitely be disposed of improperly and will thus pose a VERY serious health threat to the public. I am amazed, astounded and stunned by the casual attitude of the Merton Police. Mind boggling!
If ever a stolen van MUST be found....This is the one!

"The incident affects patients who had samples taken at the following practices" EXCUSE ME? We are talking about a van load of "Bio-Hazardous" materials which will definitely be disposed of improperly and will thus pose a VERY serious health threat to the public. I am amazed, astounded and stunned by the casual attitude of the Merton Police. Mind boggling!
If ever a stolen van MUST be found....This is the one!imasumak

"The incident affects patients who had samples taken at the following practices" EXCUSE ME? We are talking about a van load of "Bio-Hazardous" materials which will definitely be disposed of improperly and will thus pose a VERY serious health threat to the public. I am amazed, astounded and stunned by the casual attitude of the Merton Police. Mind boggling!
If ever a stolen van MUST be found....This is the one!

Ipsoregulated

This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's Editors' Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then please contact the editor here. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here